ROILO GOLEZ, Philippine National Security Adviser (2001-2004). The world and the Philippines as Roilo Golez sees it. With focus on national security, geopolitics, geo-security, economics, science and government.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Golez: I am so happy that this is Malacanang's response! Thank you Mr. President for the clear, forceful and strong statement on Benham Rise!

Golez: I am so happy that this is Malacanang's response! Thank you Mr. President for the clear, forceful and strong statement on Benham Rise!

"Malacañang asserted Tuesday that the Benham Rise “belongs to the Filipino people,” disputing China’s claims that the Philippines does not have sole rights over the resource-rich region.

“First and foremost, the Benham Rise belongs to the Filipino people. The Philippine government is duty-bound to defend and protect our sovereign and territorial rights over this region,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella told reporters in a press briefing.

Benham Rise belongs to the Filipino people, says Palace

Malacañang asserted Tuesday that the Benham Rise “belongs to the Filipino people,” disputing China’s claims that the Philippines does not have sole rights over the resource-rich region.

“First and foremost, the Benham Rise belongs to the Filipino people. The Philippine government is duty-bound to defend and protect our sovereign and territorial rights over this region,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella told reporters in a press briefing.

Abella said the issue of Benham Rise was discussed with the members of the National Security Council, as well as the matter of the country’s maritime claims on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

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“The President did agree that we should improve capabilities of enforcing our rights in the matter, enforcing our rights regarding airspace and territorial waters,” he said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had said that a Chinese survey ship was spotted sailing in Benham Rise for three months last year.